Ruleside
New for World Cup 2026

What's new for World Cup 2026

IFAB changed several laws effective 1 July 2026 — just in time for the tournament. Even hardcore fans won't know all of these.

New RuleLaws 15 & 16

5-Second Countdown for Throw-ins & Goal Kicks

Referees now use a visible 5-second countdown when a team is delaying a throw-in or goal kick. Miss the countdown and you lose possession — or concede a corner.

Before
No time limit on taking throw-ins or goal kicks. Yellow card was the only deterrent for time-wasting.
Now
5-second visual countdown. Throw-in not taken in time → awarded to opponents. Goal kick not taken in time → corner kick to opponents.
New RuleLaw 4

Jewellery & Accessories — New Flexible Rule

The blanket ban on jewellery has been replaced with a more flexible rule. Players can now wear certain accessories if they are safely covered or pose no danger to themselves or other players.

Before
All jewellery must be removed before the match. No exceptions.
Now
Accessories are permitted if they are not dangerous. Items that could cause injury must be removed or safely covered. Referees judge on safety grounds.
New RuleLaw 6

Referee Body Cameras Now Permitted

Competitions can now allow referees to wear body cameras during matches. This is the first time wearable camera technology has been officially permitted for match officials.

Before
No provision for referee body cameras in the Laws of the Game.
Now
Competitions may permit referees and match officials to wear body cameras. Usage governed by competition rules.
New RuleLaw 12

DOGSO + Advantage + Goal = No Card

If a referee plays advantage after a DOGSO foul and the attacking team scores as a result, the player who committed the foul receives no card at all — not even a yellow.

Before
DOGSO foul where advantage was played → yellow card shown at next stoppage regardless of outcome.
Now
DOGSO foul where advantage is played AND a goal is scored → no card for the fouling player.
New RuleLaw 14

Accidental Double Touch at Penalty — Clarified

What happens when a penalty taker accidentally kicks the ball with both feet or the ball touches their non-kicking leg has been clarified and codified explicitly in the 2026/27 laws.

Before
Accidental double touch during a penalty was handled inconsistently. No explicit provision in the Laws.
Now
Accidental double touch (both feet or ball touching non-kicking foot/leg): if goal scored — retake. If no goal — indirect free kick. Deliberate double touch remains an indirect free kick regardless.
New RuleLaw 14

Goalkeeper Cannot Distract the Penalty Taker

The rules around goalkeeper behaviour during a penalty kick have been tightened. Goalkeepers are explicitly prohibited from delaying the kick or behaving in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker.

Before
Goalkeeper must stay on the goal line. Distraction rules were vague and inconsistently applied.
Now
Goalkeeper must not behave in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker. Touching posts, crossbar or net or delaying the kick is explicitly prohibited. Warning for first offence, caution for any subsequent offence.
New RuleLaw 5

Injured Players Must Leave for 1 Minute

If play is stopped for an injury, the injured player must leave the field and stay off for one full minute after play restarts — unless specific exceptions apply.

Before
Injured players could receive treatment and remain on the field or return immediately after a brief assessment.
Now
If play stops for injury, player must leave and stay off for one minute of playing time after restart. Exceptions: goalkeeper, injury caused by opponent foul punished by YC or RC.
New RuleLaw 3

10-Second Substitution Rule

A player being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being shown. If they don't, the substitute cannot enter until the next stoppage after one full minute.

Before
No time limit for substituted players to leave the field. Yellow card possible for excessive delay but rarely shown.
Now
10 seconds to leave once the board is shown. Exceed it and the substitute waits until the next stoppage after one minute of play.
New RuleLaw 5 & VAR Protocol

VAR Can Now Review Wrong Second Yellow Cards

VAR can now intervene if a referee shows a clearly incorrect second yellow card that results in a red card — a category that was previously off-limits for VAR review.

Before
VAR could not review second yellow cards. Only direct red cards were reviewable.
Now
VAR can review a clearly incorrect second yellow card that results in a red card. The standard is still clear and obvious error.